Val Edward KilmerState of California. California Birth Index, 1905-1995. Center for Health Statistics, California Department of Health Services, Sacramento, California. Lists his birth name as simply "Val." At Ancestry.com (born December 31, 1959) is an American actor. Originally a stage actor, Kilmer became popular in the mid-1980s after a string of appearances in comedy films, starting with Top Secret! (1984), then the cult classic Real Genius (1985), as well as blockbuster action films, including a role in Top Gun and a lead role in Willow.

During the 1990s, Kilmer gained critical respect after a string of films that were also commercially successful, including his roles as Jim Morrison in The Doors, Doc Holliday in 1993's Tombstone, Batman in Batman Forever in 1995, and The Saint in 1997. During the early 2000s, Kilmer appeared in several well-received roles, including The Salton Sea, Spartan, and acclaimed supporting performances in Kiss Kiss Bang Bang and Alexander. In 2008, he began starring in the new series of Knight Rider as the voice of KITT. Released to video in 2008, Felon has gotten positive reviews.